Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
Valenciennes
4-2-3-1
Montpellier
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(44) 25 Goals 28 (52)
(31) 23 Assists 18 (34)
(6.7) 6.8 Average Ratings 6.9 (6.7)
28.6 Average Age 26.9
180.9 Average Height (cm) 178.8
(0.9) 1 Shots pg 1 (0.8)
(50%) 53% Aerial Duel Success 46% (47%)
(0.4) 0.4 Dribbles pg 0.6 (0.6)
(1.7) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.4 (1.6)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Ligue 1.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Kama Massampu Out N/A
Dusan Djuric Out N/A
Player Reason Status Rating
Karim Aït Fana Out 6.3
Younès Belhanda Out 6.86
Benjamin Stambouli Doubtful 6.97
John Utaka Doubtful 6.78

Team News

Valenciennes
  • Dusan Djuric and Kama Massampu are both out due to knee problems.
  • However, Anthony Le Tallec is set to return from injury, and manager Daniel Sanchez will need to decide whether to restore him to the line-up or stick with the in-form Gregory Pujol.
Montpellier
  • Karim Ait Fana is set to miss out with a knee injury, while Benjamin Stambouli is a doubt after missing the last few games due to illness.
  • John Utaka is a doubt after missing the game with PSG through injury, and Younes Belhanda is suspended after being sent off last weekend.
  • La Palliade boss will likely push playmaker Remy Cabella further forward in Belhanda's absence, while Gaetan Charbonnier will be expected to lead the line once more despite struggling to find the net so far in his Montpellier career.

Prediction

  • Valenciennes have established themselves as surprise contenders for a European place this season, and they keep themselves an increasingly tight title race with a win over struggling Montpellier.
  • Les Atheniens emerged victorious from a magnificent game with Bastia last weekend, as they came down from 2-1 down to secure a 3-2 triumph in Corsica. Foued Kadir was the star of the show for Daniel Sanchez's men that evening, as he netted and twice and set up the winning goal for Mathieu Dossevi.
  • Expect Kadir, along with creative cohorts Dossevi and Gael Danic to be at the forefront of the Valenciennes' attack as they take on a Montpellier defence that has struggled due to injuries and a lack of consistency.
  • La Palliade have hardly been prolific at the other end of the field, Souleymane Camara is their current leading marksman with five, but Gaetan Charbonnier and Emmanuel Herrera - who were brought in to replace Olivier Giroud - have both struggled in front of goal.
  • The absence of Younes Belhanda will also be a blow to Montpellier, and on current form it is difficult to see them getting a result at the Stade du Hainaut. Expect Valenciennes to continue their fine run with another impressive win.
Prediction:
Valenciennes
2
1
Montpellier
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Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
8 Montpellier 15 7 15 52 lllwld
13 Valenciennes 11 12 14 45 dwddwl

Top Players

Valenciennes
Montpellier
R. Mater 7.17
G. Danic 7.01
L. Nery 6.98
Hilton 7.37
M. Yanga-Mbiwa 7.36
R. Cabella 7.28
G. Pujol 7
F. Kadir 6
G. Danic 5
S. Camara 10
Y. Belhanda 10
R. Cabella 7
G. Danic 10
A. L. Tallec 4
F. Kadir 4
R. Cabella 8
A. Mounier 5
J. Utaka 4

Match Forecast

Montpellier will score from a fast break situation  
Montpellier will be shown a high number of cards  
Valenciennes will dominate in the air  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.
Data sources: Data Sources